Question by LJ: Hub bearing noise after a flat tire? Is this legitimate?
I have an 03 civic and recently (like 3 weeks ago) bought 4 new tires. I got a flat yesterday on my back right tire from a nail and took my car in so I could get it patched. Everything was running fine, it has been running fine, no noises etc. Well I wait for an hour and a half for my car, finally when I’m leaving he said “don’t worry about paying since it took so long” and would have only been about $ 7. So I leave and there is a terrible grinding noise in the front right (this has NEVER happened before). I immediately pull back in and park and go in to tell them, he goes and looks and says it’s my hub bearing and fixing it will cost over $ 500.
I just got these 4 new tires, and it has never made this noise before. As soon as I left it was grinding really loud, I know the guy who pulled my car out had to hear it. I think they’re trying to just get money out of me since I’m 22 and a girl. I was livid, and he said “we didn’t even touch the front right tire” etc. Can anyone tell me if this is legit?
I realize that they do go bad, but would it be so blatant? I just find it odd that it was absolutely fine driving before taking it in, then immediately when I drive my car (after waiting an hour and a half for a tire patch and it wasn’t even busy) the grinding noise is super loud. Could they have messed with it to cause that noise in order take advantage of the situation?
Yes, they did lift it up, I watched them the entire time just to make sure. The invoice says $ 120 for the bearing, $ 308 for labor, and $ 80.00 for the wheel alignment. When he told me what the problem was he had the invoice ready, of course.
Best answer:
Answer by Charlie
They do go bad, but $ 500 is really steep for a wheel bearing. Take it elsewhere.
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Guide to Mounting Tires
Keeping the tires in well-maintained condition and properly mounted is very important. After all, one is kept grounded on the road because of the four round rubber patches. For getting the job done right, proper tools and an experienced technician is required to mount and balance the car tires. Here is basic information of what is involved in mounting and balancing tires on a car. Follow the simple directions.
Tools Needed
- Spin balance machine
- Tire irons or mounting machine
- Bead breaker
Directions
Step 1:
First of all, let out the air of the tire which is desired to be replaced. For making this quick, use a tire stem removal tool.
Step 2:
Use a bead breaker to break the bead on the old tire. For maximum bead breaking leverage, just press just beyond the rim.
Step 3:
Make sure that you select a right sized tire for the rim. In case this is not right, then nothing else will be right either. A new valve stem would have to be put in as well.
Step 4:
For putting the tire on the rim, use a mounting machine or tire irons for this purpose. Be careful not to damage the tire or the rim during the mounting process. It is possible that the mounting machine may be a part of the spin balance machine. In this case the directions on the mounting machine would have to be followed.
Step 5:
Now, the tire has to be placed into the spin balance machine. The manufacturer’s directions should be followed and the wheel weight has to be placed where required. A spin balance machine is big equipment and is available at almost every tire shop.
Step 6:
Now, the tires have to be properly inflated. The vehicle owner’s manual has to be consulted for proper PSI inflation. For avoiding an unsafe condition, check the tire pressure every month.
Step 7:
An alignment is also important so try to get it. This will help to keep the new tires wearing evenly.
Additional Information & Tips
Tires are one of the most important parts of a vehicle. They need to be changed from time to time as the markings are worn out or when the tire goes flat too early. When this happens, the tires have to be dismounted and new tires are mounted according to their suitability. A local mechanic or technician would know the best fitting for your particular car rim.
For mounting the tires and wheels in a proper way, be sure to follow some necessary precautions:
- There should be no build-up of mud or dirt between the wheel and the hub.
- The wheel should not be bent or damaged.
- The wheel has to be seated firmly on the hub.
- Every lug has to be properly torque.
- Both tire beads are securely mounted
You might want to learn how to mount tires and also how to choose the right rims for tires.
Article from articlesbase.com
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Its possible they damaged it with the hydraulic lift, but I can’t really think of a way the would do that intentionally. That’s probably why the only charged you $ 7, so you wouldn’t suspect them.
Charlie is right, in this case a second opinion is helpful. take your car to another shop.
Could be but $ 500 is double what I would expect to be charged. Usually they go bad and you can hardly hear them for weeks until they get real bad. I would take it somewhere else. When he looked at it did he jack it up? How long did it take him? Just looking at from walking up to it would tell him nothing unless the wheel fell off.
Doesn’t sound legitimate.
The flat tire could have put too much pressure on the wheel bearing breaking it. So yes, the broken wheel bearing could have been caused by the flat tire. Next time you need wheel bearings, I suggest MIBearings LLC – they have USA made wheel bearings at the best price.